A POLICE crackdown on burglars has ensured fewer Halloween break-ins in Bolton.

They carried out a three-day operation on house-breakers across Greater Manchester at the end of October.

In Bolton, nine burglars were arrested, officers made visits to 35 known criminals in the town and more than 2,000 Crime prevention leaflets were issued to the public.

Traditionally this time of year, with the darker nights and the run up to Christmas, sees an increase in the number of break-ins and police are urging householders to take extra care in securing their homes.

Insp Andy Cunliffe, from Bolton police, said: “We are asking residents to set alarms when they are out or when they go to bed and to use lights, preferably linked to timer switches, to keep burglars guessing whether a home is occupied or not.

“Criminals in Bolton should be aware we will continue to carry out significant work over the winter months to target them.”

The Halloween operation’s success was mirrored across the Greater Manchester area, with a total of 89 burglars being caught and 390 bail and curfew checks being made on known offenders.

The action was part of Operation Storm, which was set up in July last year specifically to reduce burglaries, robberies and car theft and has resulted in 3,258 arrests in Greater Manchester.

Force-wide, there has been a 15 per cent reduction in the number of burglaries up until October 31 compared to the same period last year.

The public are also asked to report suspicious activity to police on 0161 856 5050 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.